I think a lot of people want to be pedantic, and point out that an aeroplane's autopilot can't do all of it itself, and you therefore still need pilots to manag

I think a lot of people want to be pedantic, and point out that an aeroplane's autopilot can't do all of it itself, and you therefore still need pilots to manage an airliner. However, that's because a lot of people on HN understands how a plane's autopilot works, but most people do not. They assume it is what they think a plane's autopilot is supposed to be. Since a plane could technically take off, fly and land itself by wire, but only under the best of conditions. At least, that's my theory.